Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

Scriptural literacy, says Elizabeth Scalia in today’s column , rests on a nuanced understanding of the traditional family.

Tobit’s themes of exile and rejection, marital strife, separation anxiety, thwarted intimacy, and the wish for death make for a timely read in light of Smith’s and Eberstadt’s books, but in chapter ten of this story—populated by ordinary people experiencing feelings to which we moderns can easily relate—we find one of the most comprehensive descriptions of what marriage means to family and what family means to faith . . . .

Read the full column here .

00 Days
00 Hours
00 Minutes
00 Seconds
Dear Reader,

Time is short, so I’ll be direct: FIRST THINGS needs you. And we need you by December 31 at 11:59 p.m., when the clock will strike zero. Give now at supportfirstthings.com.

First Things does not hesitate to call out what is bad. Today, there is much to call out. Yet our editors, authors, and readers like you share a greater purpose. And we are guided by a deeper, more enduring hope.

Your gift of $50, $100, or even $250 or more will bring this message of hope to many more people in the new year.

Make your gift now at supportfirstthings.com.

First Things needs you. I’m confident you’ll answer the call.

Make My Gift

Comments are visible to subscribers only. Log in or subscribe to join the conversation.

Tags

Loading...

Filter First Thoughts Posts

Related Articles